Illusion or Titan? Teak or Fiberglass?

jeffrey_25 · Addict Joined: 05 Oct 2003 Posts: 811

We are buying a new 2004 Malibu VLX and I was wondering if we should get an illusion or a titan tower? and a teak or fiberglass swimming platform?

Funkster · Posted: Oct 08, 2003 8:22 pm Post subject:

titan and fiberglass!!!

NVSAirWarrior · Posted: Oct 08, 2003 8:37 pm Post subject:

Firstly, congratulations!
On the tower question, are these the only options? If so, I think I would go for the Titan. I have witnessed the Illusion tower in action and the simple rope in the rack issue is signficant.....aside from the looks. Actually both are unique in appearance, but the Titan has Function, Function all over the Illusion. The both colapse easily so that's a mute point.

Swim Deck: That's a tough one. I've always had Teak but I can certainly see advantages of the FGlass with the matt. Function and safety, I believe, are better with the FGlass, let alone less, or should I say No Maintenance.
Good luck.

Hollywood · Posted: Oct 08, 2003 8:58 pm Post subject:

Teak. they're more work but will last longer and i think they look better

Jesse · Newbie Joined: 13 Sep 2003 Posts: 38 City: South Jordan

I have a 2003 Wakesetter, with both the fiberglass platform and Titan tower they are both top notch, love-em. My uncle has a 03' Response with the teak platform and he wishes he would have upgraded to the fiberglass for the no mainentence issue.

Sonicr1 · Newbie Joined: 01 Jul 2003 Posts: 44

I have an X-10 with a glass deck... before I had an elite v with teak... not to mention other boats with wood ladder/platforms.

When we first got the X-10, I was kind of weary about it... it's not what I was used to, but I have grown to love it... it never dries out and does't scratch like wood. Takes a while to get used to, but I think it is worth it!

Lucky · Posted: Oct 09, 2003 4:44 am Post subject:

Titan and Teak for sure. Illusion is just flat out ugly. Teak will look better for the long run. The glass platform look good new, but think of all the activity that takes place on them. If you happen to hit anything backing the boat up the teak is a quick fix. A little teak oil and some sand paper and it will look new again. My teak is 20 years old, I cleaned it last night and it looks new again. Congrats on the boat, either way you will be happy.

Lucky · Posted: Oct 09, 2003 4:44 am Post subject:

Titan and Teak for sure. Illusion is just flat out ugly. Teak will look better for the long run. The glass platform look good new, but think of all the activity that takes place on them. If you happen to hit anything backing the boat up the teak is a quick fix. A little teak oil and some sand paper and it will look new again. My teak is 20 years old, I cleaned it last night and it looks new again. Congrats on the boat, either way you will be happy.

Lucky · Posted: Oct 09, 2003 4:45 am Post subject:

Sorry for the double.

03Belmont · Wakeboarder.com Freak Joined: 19 Aug 2003 Posts: 4656

jeffrey_25, Fiberglass I hate Teak our boat has a teak ski platform and we have to put teak on it all the time to make it look good if yo dont do it for awhile the ski platform will look like a P.O.S

Jack V · Outlaw Joined: 19 Feb 2003 Posts: 207

Go test drive a nautique!! Much nicer boat with a bigger wake!

Funkster · Posted: Oct 09, 2003 8:57 am Post subject:

Jack V, what does that have to do with his question???

Schmo · Posted: Oct 09, 2003 9:17 am Post subject:

Funkster · Posted: Oct 09, 2003 9:30 am Post subject:

Schmo, I agree!! He wasnt asking for opinion's on boats becuase he already made up his mind. He was just asking opinion's on the tower and the swim deck!!!!!

Grouch · Posted: Oct 09, 2003 10:18 am Post subject:

Jack V · Outlaw Joined: 19 Feb 2003 Posts: 207

sorry for my comment. I was out of line. I would go with teak and the titan tower. Congrats on your decision!

llenta · Addict Joined: 22 Jul 2003 Posts: 788 City: Davis

i'm with grouch and funkster on this one. go with the titan and fiberglass.
________
Lamborghini Gallardo History

Schmo · Posted: Oct 09, 2003 11:46 am Post subject:

Shawn Madison · Posted: Oct 09, 2003 12:09 pm Post subject:

Well, I have experience with both of these issues on '04s. If you are riding more than 50 times a year get fiberglass. If you store your boat outside or the platform is exposed to elements get fiberglass. If you do not like to put on teak conditioner every week get fiberglass. If you do not recondition the top after one season-expect slips on the teak. Also, the teak wedge hatch tends to swell and is sometimes difficult to open. I like the fiberglass ones, they keep the boat looking clean and nice and the hatch works like a charm.

The new Illusion X tower does not have the rope vs. rack issue anymore. I like it and it is super strong. I think it will set your boat apart on the lake and get you tons of LUV! Cool

tre · Newbie Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 29

Fiberglass swim platform for sure. Teak is a pain in the rear and will look like junk if you get lazy with it. Glass will last forever and still look good.

The Illusion is all new for 04. It is not ugly/non-functional like the 03. I would go with the NEW Illusion - It is much better looking then the Titan.
You can have function and looks.

M3Orion · Addict Joined: 18 Jul 2003 Posts: 670 City: Bay Area

The one giant plus to the IllusionX tower is that there is absolutely NO obstruction of view for the driver. The driver has a complete field of view due to the tower's mounting points and design.

WakeNup · Outlaw Joined: 11 Jun 2003 Posts: 171 City: South Carolina

I went with the Titan and Teak, the titan was a no brainer, why spend extra money when the Titan is one of if not the strongest tower ever built. I almost went f/g platform on this one, my 15 year old wanted to, but I like the traditional teak and kind of enjoy shining it up every once in a while. Bottom line, if you are looking to resell, no one is going to not buy your boat because the swim platform is wood or glass, but they might not even look if they don't like the untraditional tower.

Swass · Guest

Why did you mount your speakers on top? Aren't they in the way of the rope?

I'm a Titan/teak guy, myself.

WakeNup · Outlaw Joined: 11 Jun 2003 Posts: 171 City: South Carolina

Swass no, but they were interferring with the Bimini, although it looks like there is plenty of clearance from that pic, there really is not.

Swass · Guest

Gotcha.

I think I recognise your enclosure/speaker combo. I was going to buy the same thing, but, at the time, he didn't have clamps that would fit the Titan. How do you like them?

Sorry Jeff - don't mean to get people off track.

wkbrdr82 · Newbie Joined: 03 Sep 2003 Posts: 31

WakeNup, do u have any other pics of ur boat i like the color scheme in the one pic and i wanna see the whole boat

wkbrdr82 · Newbie Joined: 03 Sep 2003 Posts: 31

WakeNup, do u have any other pics of ur boat i like the color scheme in the one pic and i wanna see the whole boat

nschloss · Newbie Joined: 08 Oct 2003 Posts: 5 City: Calgary

Jeffrey_25 I'm going to guess your dealing on a boat with Don at Wizard Lake Marine - congrats! I'm new to these boats but here's my two cents worth. We tested the new LSV with the Illusion tower. In our test there was some rattle from the tower - didn't seem to be able to get the mount solid using the two large allen screws on each side. As for the looks - that's personal preference. You don't mention the Skylon Swoop which is also available - perhaps not your taste. It is more of the 'classic' style but is also an option to consider. Platforms - I like the teak but prefer the low maintenance and grippier fiber deck. Whatever you decide - you'll be happy!

pooser · Wakeboarder.com Freak Joined: 13 Jan 2003 Posts: 4738

id personally go illusion and fiberglass.

BrtnDan · Addict Joined: 19 Feb 2003 Posts: 609

Hey man, your boat is hot, congrats.

Fishmaster · Posted: Oct 16, 2003 7:03 pm Post subject:

Titan and Teak, just one man's opinion!

I just like the "authentic" aspect of teak on a boat. I say the Titan becuase they copied the Monster Tower Very Happy

OK, That's a joke - I saw a press release a while back that inferred the opposite so I could not resist. The Titan is a great tower but then again I dont know much about the new Illusion tower so check that out well.

larrys · Criminal Joined: 08 Sep 2003 Posts: 53

Polished Titan and Teak! Colorful

MrBlean · Posted: Oct 17, 2003 9:13 am Post subject: Teak paltforms

For you guys that beef about the manitenance on teak platforms, I seriously recommend a product called Teak Wonder. Is a 3-part system comprising a cleaner, colour restorer and sealant that will bring even the blackest, discoloured platform up like new. No sanding, just chemicals and a stiff nylon brush (provided with the trial pack which is all you need to treat a swim platform for several seasons).

The sealant leaves the "as sanded" colour intact and, unlike varnish or teak oil, leaves no surface film. It sinks into the wood and leaves it looking completely natural.

Just run a google search. In my experience is as good as the marketing blurb says.